Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries—the small reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs. Often called the “Silent Killer” due to minimal early symptoms, ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed in its later stages when treatment becomes more challenging. Early detection, however, greatly improves survival.
|
Type |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Epithelial ovarian cancer |
Most common (~90% of cases); starts in the outer layer of the ovary |
|
Germ cell tumor |
Arises from the egg-producing cells; more common in younger women |
|
Stromal tumor |
Arises from hormone-producing cells; less common |
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms include:-
There are a total of 4 ovarian cancer stages that determine how far the cancer has spread, which guides treatment options
|
Stage |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Stage I |
Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries. |
|
IA |
Affects only one ovary, with no tumor on the outer surface. |
|
IB |
Affects both ovaries; no tumor on the outer surface. |
|
IC |
Tumor on the surface of one or both ovaries, or cancer cells in abdominal fluid. |
|
Stage II |
Cancer has spread to the nearby pelvic region/organ. |
|
IIA |
Spread to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes. |
|
IIB |
Spread to other nearby pelvic tissues. |
|
IIC |
Same as IIA or IIB, with a tumor on the ovarian surface or cancer developing in the abdominal fluid. |
|
Stage III |
Cancer has spread to the abdominal lining or lymph nodes. |
|
IIIA |
Microscopic spread beyond the pelvis. |
|
IIIB |
Visible tumor spread in the abdomen (≤ 2 cm). |
|
IIIC |
Larger tumor spread in the abdomen (> 2 cm) or to lymph nodes. |
|
Stage IV |
Advanced/last-stage cancer has spread to distant organs like the lungs or liver. |
Due to its late symptoms and signs, this condition is very difficult to detect in early stages, and still, there is no successful screening test for ovarian cancer.
Your healthcare provider may do a pelvic exam or check for abnormal outgrowths or enlarged organs.
Some of the additional tests include
CA 125 test: It is a blood test to detect CA 125, a protein antigen that circulates in the blood and is primarily used as a tumor marker for monitoring recurrence. Its elevated level in the blood can indicate ovarian cancer.
Imaging test
Pelvic Ultrasound—It is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to detect any abnormalities in the body or to detect any mass or lump in the pelvic region.
MRI Pelvis—It provides a highly detailed image of the cyst, outgrowth, or tumor in the pelvis region. Contrast may be used to get a highly detailed image of the affected region.
CT Scan or PET (Positron Emission Tomography)—This type of imaging is used for monitoring and confirming the cancer by providing an enhanced image, and is also used to check whether the cancer has relapsed or not.
Note: MRI/CT/PET are often used together to assess spread and treatment planning.
Some of the Treatment options are
Surgery: This is used to remove the tumor or reproductive organs. Your provider may use Laparoscopy (Minimal surgery) or open surgery, such as laparotomy (open abdominal incision), or debulking surgery is often performed to remove as much tumor as possible.
Chemotherapy: This includes drugs too target the cancer cells and may be given after surgery to kill any leftover cancerous cells
Radiotherapy: It uses highly ionising X-rays, using radioisotopes to destroy cancerous cells
Targeted Therapy: It uses the checkpoint inhibitors that target specific protein antigens on the cancer cells to slow their growth and development.
Hormonal Therapy: This therapy uses hormones that promote cancer growth and slowly kill the cancerous cells, mostly useful in certain stromal tumors.
Immunotherapy: Advanced Immunotherapy that enhances a person's immune system to destroy cancerous cells. Examples, such as Dendritic cell-based Immunotherapy, are widely used, which boost Immunity specifically against ovarian cancer, resulting in fewer side effects
There is no complete way to prevent Ovarian Cancer, but if you have a biological history of cancer, you may benefit from genetic counseling and consideration of preventive surgery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may also help reduce overall cancer risk.
Your doctor may advise you of risk-reducing surgery as well to remove ovaries or fallopian tubes before they become cancerous.
Ovarian cancer: Global vs India stats
|
Field |
Global (2022) |
India (2022) |
|---|---|---|
|
New Cases |
~324,600 |
~47,300 |
|
Incidence Rate |
ASIR ~6.7/100k women |
ASIR ~6.6/100k women |
|
Deaths |
~207,250 |
~33,000 |
|
Mortality Rate |
ASMR ~4.0/100k women |
ASMR ~4.6/100k women |
|
Age & Gender |
Predominantly women, 50-65+ years |
Postmenopausal women; rising in peri-menopausal |
|
Hotspots |
High-income countries (E. & N. Europe, N. America) |
Urban states (Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala) |
|
Rural vs Urban |
Early detection in developed/urban areas |
Rural: Late diagnosis; Urban: More detection |
|
5-Year Survival |
~45-50% overall (low due to late stage) |
Similar or lower (common late stage presentation) |
|
Key Subtypes |
Epithelial (~90%), germ cell, stromal |
Same pattern; Epithelial dominates |
Key Notes
In a highly advanced stage, it is usually not curable, but with the integrated treatment approach, it can significantly improve the quality and survival rate.
Yes, dendritic cell-based immunotherapy has shown promising results for treating ovarian cancer. While it's still undergoing research, many patients experience better immune response, slower disease progression, and improved quality of life when used alongside or after conventional treatments.
In advanced stages, the survival rate is ~49% for up to 5 years. If detected early, the survival rate is ~90% for localized cases
Most patients experience mild side effects like low-grade fever, fatigue, or injection site reactions. Since the treatment is personalized using the patient’s cells, the severity is very low.
The ovarian Cancer usually progresses from Stage 1 to IV within a year. In case it becomes malignant, it can spread in weeks or months.
People in advanced or recurrent stages can be considered for Denvax immunotherapy and determined after a thorough medical examination to check whether a person is fit for this immunotherapy or not.
Women diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer
Patient wishes for non non-surgical method
Women have not benefited from the traditional therapies, Like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
